The Scottish National Party has launched their general election manifesto, pledging to 'protect' the Scottish agri-food industry by fighting to stay as a member of the EU's single market.
Scotland’s food and drink is worth £14.4 billion. The EU – Scotland’s biggest overseas regional food and drink export market – is of importance to the sector.
The SNP says it will fight to maintain Single Market membership, to 'protect' the industry.
SNP MPs will also seek to ensure that any future trade deals secure geographical indications for key Scottish food and drink products like Scotch Whisky, Arbroath smokies and Stornoway black pudding.
The SNP will support the Scottish Government‘s efforts to maintain current EU standards and regulations, for the environment, animal welfare and agriculture
Loss of freedom of movement
The manifesto says the loss of freedom of movement has the potential to 'harm' Scotland’s rural economy.
SNP MPs will continue to call on the UK government to guarantee EU nationals’ right to remain in the UK, and 'safeguard' the food and drink sector.
The SNP is also calling for a review of the Voluntary Code of Practice for the dairy sector and for contract provisions and arrangements to better meet the interests and needs of milk producers.
The manifesto says that Scottish dairy farmers have been adversely affected by market volatility in recent years.
The SNP will press for all relevant UK government departments and agencies to apply for and achieve the Food for Life catering award.
The SNP does not want to dismantle Scotland’s GM-free status.
'Huge uncertainty'
The SNP's leader Nicola Sturgeon said Scottish farmers face 'huge uncertainty' on issues like trading tariffs, seasonal migrant workers and the future of rural funding.
She said: “The Tories treat our fishing industry as ‘expendable’ once again – we will stand up for Scotland’s rural economy in Brexit negotiations.
“SNP MPs will make sure the UK government guarantees to match the current share of EU funding beyond Brexit and repays farmers their missing millions, including the £160m ‘convergence uplift’ Scottish farmers have been short changed on.”
Other farming manifestos
In the Conservative manifesto, they pledge to bring 'sustainable growth' to farming communities, create a new agri-environment scheme and introduce mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses.
Labour has also launched their manifesto. The manifesto pledges an end to the badger cull, a ban on neonicotinoids and the promotion of ‘cruelty free farming’.
The Liberal Democrats has unveiled their manifesto, saying that UK farming will be in 'huge danger' of leaving EU. They propose a second referendum.
Welsh political party Plaid Cymru has also released their manifesto, calling for a Brexit deal which best represents Welsh agriculture.
Ukip's manifesto has called for the UK to create a Single Farm Payment (SFP) as a replacement for the CAP.
Numerous rural organisations have released their own manifestos, including the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, the CLA, the Soil Association, the Tenant Farmers' Association, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the British Veterinary Association, the Farmers' Union of Wales, the Ulster Farmers' Union, the Agricultural Industries Confederation and the Countryside Alliance.
